1. Commission Communication on external dimension of EU social security coordination
MISSOC meeting Copenhagen, 24 May 2012

2. Context: globalised world
Social security coordination: rules aimed at facilitating mobility
Globalised economic environment; labour mobility between EU and rest of world growing reality
Social security coordination between EU and rest of world: two possible ways:
National approach: bilateral agreements
Common EU approach

3. Main message Communication
Makes the case for strengthening cooperation between MS to achieve more coherent approach to social security coordination with third countries
Bilateral agreements: patchy approach, content differs
When acting together: stronger bargaining position
Proposes a new annual forum at EU level to strengthen cooperation between MS as regards third countries

4. Already existing impact of EU law on bilateral agreemens
Gottardo judgment (2002): MS must grant nationals of other MS same advantages as those which its own nationals enjoy under bilateral agreements concluded with third countries
explanations to third countries
requests for cooperation from third countries
Reg 1231/2010: extension scope of Reg 883/2004 to third country nationals (TCN's)
Very existence of Reg 1231/2010 gives EU exclusive competence as regards social security coordination for TCN's in cross-border situation within EU

5. Relationship EU social security coordination and bilateral agreements
In cases of conflict: EU Regulations take precedence over national rules contained in bilateral agreements with third countries
TCN is sent to a MS under terms of bilateral agreement with third country and then moves to work in another MS: Reg 883/2004 applies
TCN works in two MS for employer established in third country: Reg 883/2004 applies

6. Existing EU instruments dealing with social security rights of TCN's
Reg 1231/2010
TCN falling under scope of Reg 883/2004 moves to third country. Equal treatment as regards indexation MS's pension in third country
Long-term residents Directive, Blue card Directive, Researchers Directive: equal treatment in social security
Association agreements
October 2010:adoption of common position to be taken in Association Councils with Algeria, Morocco, Tunesia, Israel, FYROM and Croatia
Equal treatment
Export of full amount of pensions
Framework of cooperation and verification mechanisms to combat fraud

7. Communication: develop EU approach further
Set of proposals for Council Decisions on the EU position in Association Councils with Turkey, Albania, San Marino and Monenegro
Explores possibility for an EU social security agreement with certain third countries

8. Thank you for your attention